The Israeli security cabinet has convened to strategize a potential reaction to Iran’s recent drone and missile assault, which was both unexpected and severe.
The Israeli government has not yet disclosed whether it has reached a decision on its course of action.
While Israel’s allies have been vocal in their condemnation of Iran’s actions, they have also called for restraint from Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration.
Iran has indicated that it believes the incident has been resolved, but the Chief of Staff of the Israeli military has made it clear that the aggression will not go unmet.
Lt Gen Herzi Halevi stated, “We are carefully considering our next steps. The launch of numerous missiles and UAVs into Israeli territory will warrant a response,” without specifying a method or timeline for such action.
Former CIA Director David Petraeus, in an interview with BBC Radio 4’s World Tonight, expressed that the United States is not interested in any Israeli retaliation against Iran that could jeopardize the global economy.
Petraeus, who previously led international forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, acknowledged the gravity of the Iranian attack for Israel and emphasized the West’s need to recognize its significance.
He explained that the challenge lies in formulating a response that demonstrates Israeli deterrence without exacerbating the situation. He suggested that Israel has several asymmetric options at its disposal that could allow for a measured response.
Lt Gen Halevi spoke from the Nevatim air base in southern Israel, which was targeted in the recent attack but reportedly sustained only minor damage and remains operational.
Tehran justified its actions as retribution for an Israeli strike on its Syrian consulate on April 1st, which resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials.
The Israeli military reported that over 300 drones and missiles were launched towards Israel, the majority of which were intercepted by Israeli forces, with assistance from the US, UK, France, and other allies, before they could reach their targets. The attack resulted in no casualties and only limited damage.
Global leaders are urging caution to prevent a significant escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.
US President Joe Biden reassured “America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security” in a conversation with Netanyahu following the Iranian attack. However, it was later reported that the US would not participate in any Israeli counter-strike against Iran.
“We are committed to a ceasefire that will secure the return of hostages and prevent further expansion of the conflict,” Biden stated.
In a separate development, violence in the occupied West Bank has escalated, following the killing of an Israeli teenager, Benjamin Achimeir, whose death the Israeli government has attributed to a “terrorist attack.”
The US has denounced retaliatory violence by Israeli settlers, including the deaths of two young Palestinians, and called for an investigation into further Palestinian fatalities near Nablus.
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